The 2004 NFL Europe League season kicked off this past weekend with a number of Patriots players making an impact on the field. Six of New England's seven active NFL Europe players helped their teams to victory, with five Patriots playing a part in the Berlin Thunder's 20-14 win over the Scottish Claymores at Olympia-Stadium in Berlin.
Thunder starting quarterback Rohan Davey looked strong in his NFL Europe debut completing eight of 14 passes for 106 yards. The Patriots fourth-round selection in 2002 also scampered for 26 yards on two rushes, including a 6-yard touchdown jaunt to give Berlin a 17-7 lead in the third quarter. Wide receiver Chas Gessner also got into the scoring act for Berlin with a 12-yard touchdown reception with less than two minutes remaining in the second quarter. The former Brown University wideout tied for the team lead with four receptions. Jamil Soriano started at right guard and helped the Thunder amass 137 rushing yards on 33 carries (4.2 yards per carry). Linebacker Lawrence Flugence, who collected six tackles and a pass defense, aided the Berlin defense. Scott Farley saw action in a reserve role at safety and recorded two solo tackles and a pass defense.
In other action across the pond, starting left tackle David Pruce opened holes for a Frankfurt Galaxy rushing attack that garnered 212 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns in the Galaxy's 34-11 victory over the Amsterdam Admirals. Jason Perry got the start at strong safety for the Admirals and registered a team-high 10 solo tackles and a pass defense.
Buck Rasmussen, the Patriots' eighth NFL Europe allocation, did not see game action with the Galaxy.
Notes
Davey connected with tight end Mike Pinkard on a 25-yard completion in the third quarter. … Gessner and Davey connected on a 15-yard completion, also in third quarter action. … In the third NFLEL opener the Rhein Fire defeated the Cologne Centurions 26-25. … This coming Saturday Berlin is at Amsterdam, Frankfurt is at Cologne and Scotland is at Rhein, with the later two games available on the NFL Network and DIRECTV.
